The 9 Best Laptops for Remote Work in 2022

If you work remotely, your laptop is likely the most critical piece of equipment you have. It’s how you connect with your team and get work done.

Remote workers use their laptops for everything from collaborating on projects with colleagues to managing their finances and making personal connections.

In order to find the best laptop for working remotely, there are some things to consider: size, weight, battery life, and purpose, just to name a few.

With so many options available today, finding the perfect laptop for remote work is not always an easy task! If this is your first investment into equipment like this, or you’re unfamiliar with what features might make sense for your needs, we hope these tips will help guide your decision-making process.

Main Points to Consider

  • Work Environment Needs
  • Size and Weight
  • Durability
  • Affordability
  • Storage Needs
  • Familiarity

Work Environment Needs

The first thing to consider when looking for the best work from home laptop for you is the nature of your work is. The type of laptop you choose to get will depend on the work that needs doing. Your job dictates what functions are necessary for it – a copywriter will have different requirements than an IT technician! A professional graphic designer might look into higher pixel density screens rather than lower resolution displays, whereas someone who does less visual work may opt to invest in other factors.

Size and Weight

Another important thing to consider is the size and weight of your laptop. Do you need something small that’s lightweight and easy to carry around or something that is sturdy? Is a bigger display screen better suited for you, or is compatibility more important?

Consider how much time you will be traveling and how much effort will be required when on the road. If you consider yourself a digital nomad, you may opt for a compact laptop, whereas the best laptop for working from home could have a larger screen without any inconveniences.

Durability

Another thing to consider when buying a laptop for remote work is its durability. Are you accident prone and need something that will live through drops and spills? Are you willing to make smaller purchases more frequently with a less durable laptop? Consider whether or not you want to invest in something that will last.

Affordability

The best laptop for remote work is a balance between price and durability. If you want something that will last, you may choose to invest more in a one-time purchase instead of cheaper models where you might sacrifice durability. If you are working on the road, however, consider your budget and travel risks. Getting a more affordable model will soften any losses if it gets stolen, but you will likely have to replace it sooner.

Storage Needs

When deciding on the best work from home laptop, one thing to consider is whether you need a lot of storage. Storage can be expensive if you have lots of files that require space in your computer but don’t necessarily always take up much processing power (like word documents). People with lighter workloads who only plan on using Microsoft Office, for example, might benefit more by getting a Chromebook instead!

Familiarity

When looking for the best work from home laptop, be sure to consider your familiarity. If you need to get started right away, it may be a good idea to get a computer or system you are already familiar with, rather than going from a Mac to a PC or vice versa. This may not be a big factor if you have some time to adjust and get over the initial frustration you might encounter.

The Best Laptops for Remote Work

With these considerations, let’s look at the best laptops for working this upcoming year remotely to help you find one that meets your needs.

Apple MacBook Pro 13 Inch

The 13-inch MacBook Pro is an incredible machine that gives you the speed and power of a desktop in a compact laptop. Apple quotes up to 2.8x faster CPUs, 5x greater graphic performance than before, and their most advanced Neural Engine yet, which can improve machine learning when using algorithms by 11 times for quicker results.

Twenty hours of battery life means this beast lasts all day long - making it one incredibly powerful notebook! The 13-inch model is the newest model of the MacBook Pro and a great option for people on the go, being more compact and offering 20 hours of battery life.

It offers less storage than the 16" model but is also more affordable while still being durable and an all-around favorite of remote workers.

The Pros

  • Incredibly powerful and reliable
  • Sleek design and aesthetically pleasing features, such as an unrivaled retina display
  • More affordable in comparison with the 16-inch MacBook
  • Lightweight, compact, and easy to travel with
  • Highest battery life of any MacBook

The Cons

  • Only has thunderbolt ports with no USB, HDMI, etc.
  • No option to upgrade memory or storage if needed

The Breakdown

  • Price – From $1,299
  • Screen – 13 Inches
  • Thermal Efficiency
  • Up to 20 hours of battery life
  • Thunderbolt ports/ USB 4
  • Retina Display
  • Touch Bar and Touch ID
  • Memory: 16GB
  • Storage: 2TB

Where to Get It

https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro-13/

Apple MacBook Pro 16 Inch

The 16-inch MacBook Pro is a great choice for home users due to its versatility. This laptop offers the best combination of expandability and portability, with speeds that can take on Windows applications without slowing down your system or draining battery life too quickly.

This computer comes equipped to meet any need you could possibly think of, thanks to how powerful yet reliable it is while still having an impressive battery life. It has a sleek design and aesthetically pleasing features, such as an unrivaled retina display.

With this in mind, this is the most expensive of the MacBooks, and many people find that the MacBook Air meets their needs just as well for half the price, so be sure to think through the features you need and do not need. This is a great option for designers and anyone who needs a powerful processor.

The Pros

  • Incredibly powerful processor
  • High storage and memory capacity, likely above and beyond your needs.
  • 16-inch Retina display screen is great if you prefer a bigger screen
  • Most durable of the MacBooks

The Cons

  • Not as affordable as other options
  • Cheaper models of MacBooks are able to accomplish what most people need in a laptop without the price tag
  • Less battery life than other MacBook models (although still impressive)
  • Heavier than other models

The Breakdown

  • Screen: 16" Retina Display
  • Battery: Up to 11 Hours
  • Price: From $2,399
  • Storage: 8TB
  • Memory: 64GB
  • 6 Speaker Sound System
  • Up to 8 core-processor

Where to Get It

https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro-16/

MacBook Air

The MacBook Air is one of the best laptops for many people because not only does it have a lightweight and compact design, but it also features durability.

The long battery life allows you to work all day without having to worry about running out of battery or needing to recharge when you don’t have an outlet nearby. It turns on quickly and runs fast, avoiding long loading times and making documents easily editable on an excellent high-resolution screen.

It also has a fan that is completely silent. This is a great option if you want to invest in a high-quality laptop that will last but doesn’t necessarily need all the bells and whistles of the MacBook Pro.

The Pros

  • An impressive battery life
  • More affordable price tag in comparison to the MacBook Pro, while offering most of the same features
  • The most lightweight MacBook, great for travel
  • Widely considered a high-quality laptop and favorite

The Cons

  • Like other MacBooks, there are no other port options besides thunderbolt
  • Processor is not as strong as the MacBook Pro

The Breakdown

  • Screen: 13.3" Retina Display
  • Battery: Up to 18 hours
  • Price: From $999
  • Storage: 2TB
  • Memory: 16GB
  • Silent fan
  • 2 Thunderbolt Ports

Where to Get It

https://www.apple.com/macbook-air/

Microsoft Surface Book 3

The Microsoft Surface Book 3 is the ultimate tablet and laptop hybrid. It has a detachable screen to use as your tablet and great features for designers and creative workers.

The main downside might be the power level of the processor, so decide whether it is worth sacrificing the power for portability.

The Pros

  • Great laptop for remote creatives
  • Beautiful display and minimalistic design
  • Comes with plenty of ports for connecting all your devices seamlessly
  • Has a detachable double screen to double as a tablet
  • Has an impressive battery life

The Cons

  • The power level of this laptop is not as strong as others
  • The camera’s quality is not ideal
  • The Breakdown
  • Screen: 15”
  • Battery life: Up to 17.5 hours
  • Price: From $1,599.99
  • Storage: 256 GB, 512 GB, or 2 TB PCIe SSD
  • Memory: 16 GB or 32 GB
  • Detachable touchscreen

Where to Get

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/surface

ASUS C202

If you’re looking for a cheap, lightweight, and durable device that’s easy to travel with and won’t be much of a liability if it gets stolen, then the ASUS c202 laptop is perfect.

It is ideal for someone who can work exclusively from the internet and does not need a lot of processing power. It is important to note that this laptop does not have great functionality as compared to other laptops because this one runs on ChromeOS, making apps and programs unavailable.

If you can work solely from the internet, where everything is backed up through the cloud, and you are able to keep documents stored through online programs like Google Drive or Dropbox, this may not be an issue.

The Pros

  • Excellent texture, clicky-keys, and comfortable pattern
  • Made of high-quality materials, making it durable
  • Has plenty of ports, such as HDMI, USB, and a headphone jack
  • Regular security patch updates are done by Google
  • Waterproof and shockproof
  • Has an impressive battery life
  • A more affordable option

The Cons

  • Low storage capacity
  • Low processing power
  • Low functionality
  • The Breakdown
  • Screen: 11.6”
  • Price: Around $250.00
  • Battery: Up to 10 hours
  • Memory: Onboard Memory 2 GB / 4 GB
  • Storage: 32 GB eMMC / 16GB eMMC
  • Anti-glare display
  • Built in Bluetooth
  • ChromeOS operating system
  • 3-in-1 card reader

Where to Get It

https://www.asus.com/us/Commercial-Laptops/ASUS-Chromebook-C202SA/

Lenovo Ideapad

The Lenovo Ideapad is a solid, affordable choice for those who need something lightweight and portable. The lightweight makes this laptop perfect if your job doesn’t require much processing power like copywriting or content marketing.

64GB of storage space will provide you with ample room for your photos, movies, and work documents. The built-in camera on this laptop makes it great to use while chatting over a video call. However, the camera quality is not ideal, so take that into consideration.

Choose between black or white color options available at around $210, perfect for even the tightest budget.

The Pros

  • Offers a lot at an affordable price
  • Has a strong battery life that outlasts what is promised
  • Contains plenty of ports like USB, HDMI, and a headphone jack
  • The keyboard feels receptive to typing with satisfying tactile feedback that makes it easy on your hands over long work periods
  • Has upgradable RAM/storage options
  • Includes Microsoft Office Subscription

The Cons

  • The camera quality is not the best, which may hinder video calls
  • Stock storage is slow compared to a lot of options out there
  • It is not as sturdy and durable as others on the market

The Breakdown

  • Screen: 11"
  • Price: Starting at $209.99
  • Battery: Up to 7.3 hours
  • Memory: 4GB
  • Storage: 64GB
  • Lightweight and portable

Where to Get It

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/c/laptops/ideapad

HP Spectre

The HP Spectre is not just a sleek laptop; it’s also one of the most powerful on the market.

With an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB hard drive, you’ll have no problem handling any task thrown at you. In addition to its high-end internals, there are some other exciting features worth noting: 22 hours battery life and 1080p display with Gorilla Glass protection built right in so your screen won’t break easily even if dropped straight onto concrete from 3 feet up top, all while weighing less than 2 pounds per square inch.

It also converts into a tablet, great for any creative needs. This powerful laptop has the perfect combination for digital nomads looking to invest their money wisely. The touch screen comes with features like facial recognition that make this affordable device even more user-friendly than before, so you can focus on what matters most.

The Pros

  • Has a high speed and powerful processor
  • Converts from a laptop to a tablet, connected with magnets to keep it together while working
  • Comfortable keyboard and satisfying key texture
  • Contains many privacy features, like webcam shutoff, microphone mute, and a privacy screen that shields your work from onlooker
  • Has an incredibly long battery life

The Cons

  • Not as affordable
  • Does not come with a security cable notch
  • The Breakdown
  • Screen: 13”
  • Price: From $1,199.99
  • Battery: Up to 22 Hours
  • Memory: 16GB
  • Storage: 2TB PCIe SSD
  • Webcam shutoff
  • Microphone mute
  • Privacy screen

Where to Get It

https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/mlp/laptops/spectre

Google Pixelbook Go

The Google Pixelbook Go is “made to go anywhere” with its lightweight design and compatibility. Despite being a Chromebook, it has many features, including a silent keyboard, that make it worthwhile.

The laptop comes in 4 different colors to match any style preference while still staying affordable enough so everyone can enjoy these awesome features. The Google Pixelbook offers a go-anywhere design, quick charge time, and an easy start-up. It’s powered by ChromeOS, which means you can be sure your laptop will never slow down or become infected with viruses.

The webcam on this device has been designed to stand out above other Chromebooks and features high-resolution capabilities, always capturing crisp images even in low lighting conditions. Key features include backlit keys for working from any environment in the dark, Hush Keys that make typing soundless, and a touch screen display.

The Pros

  • More affordable than many options
  • Grippable design to make it easier to carry around without dropping
  • Quick charge time
  • Starts up quickly and continues to run quickly because of the ChromeOS processor
  • High-resolution webcam, which stands out above other Chromebooks
  • Hush keys to make typing soundless
  • Backlit keyboard option to work from any environment, even in the dark
  • Features built-in virus protection

The Cons

  • More expensive than other Chromebook options
  • Less functionality because of ChromeOS software

The Breakdown

  • Screen: 13.3” LCD Touchscreen display
  • Price: From $649
  • Memory: 8GB or 16GB
  • Storage: 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB
  • USB-C Port and headphone jack
  • Battery: Up to 12 hours

Where to Get It

https://store.google.com/us/product/pixelbook_go?hl=en-US

ASUS ZenBook

The ASUS ZenBook is a high-tech marvel, being the thinnest and smallest 13-inch laptop. It can fit easily into any bag for convenient travel purposes! The display has got everything from high-quality resolution with crisp colors to long battery life.

There are also tons of ports available for hooking up all sorts of devices like headphones, speakers, and external displays. The ASUS ZenBook is a laptop that has been designed with an eye on affordability. With prices starting from just $849, it is much cheaper than you would expect with all this laptop has to offer.

The Pros

  • Compact, thin, and lightweight, great for on the go
  • Long battery life and fast charge time
  • Elegant and sleek design with a large screen area
  • Known to have a great keyboard
  • Impressive audio quality
  • Facial recognition for easy sign-in

The Cons

  • Camera quality isn’t superior
  • Resolution is not of the same quality as other options

The Breakdown

  • Screen: 13.3" display
  • Price: Starting at $849
  • Battery: Up to 16 hours
  • Memory: 8GB or 16GB
  • Storage: 512GB or 1TB
  • Lilac Mist and Pine Grey color options

Where to Get It

https://www.asus.com/laptops/for-home/Zenbook/

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you now know how to choose the best laptop for remote work. It’s all about considering your needs and then making an informed decision based on that research. Good luck in your investment in a new piece of equipment—there is no better time than now to upgrade your work life!

We’d love to hear from other remote workers who have had similar experiences about their purchase decisions, so please share any thoughts with other digital nomads in our virtual coworking space on which factors were most important when deciding what type of laptop was right for you!

Let us know if any of our advice helps you find the perfect machine for your situation.

Author: John Donnelly

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